July 31, 2012

MLB signs off on Soto trade to Rangers; Torrealba DFA'd

The Commissioner's Office was A-OK with the money the Cubs will send to the Rangers along with Geovany Soto for minor-league right-hander Jake Brigham and a player to be named or cash.

The trade is official. Soto will be with the Rangers tonight. Yorvit Torrealba has been designated for assignment.

The Rangers are getting a catcher who is hot at the plate and a defensive upgrade for the rest of this year and next year -- and cash to pay the salary -- for a reliever who was in Double A.

While Soto is hitting only .199 this season and has spent time on the disabled list after surgery on his left knee, he has thrown out more base runners than either Mike Napoli or Torrealba and his hitting .286 (10-for-35) since the All-Star break.